Crimson Tide gets commitment from All-State post player

Thursday

Jul 31, 2008 at 12:01 AM

By Andrew CarrollSports Writer

TUSCALOOSA | Karneshia Garrett, a 6-foot-2 All-State post player, has made a verbal commitment to play for the University of Alabama women's basketball team. Commitments are non-binding, but she can sign during the early period in November. She said her brother, DeMaurius, will be a sophomore at Alabama.Garrett was a second-team Class 5A All-State selection following her junior season at Wenonah High School in Birmingham. She plans to transfer to Hoover for her senior year.'I was really confused about where I wanted to go to school, so this is a real big decision for me,' Garrett said in a telephone interview from Las Vegas, where her AAU Alabama Twisters Elite team is playing. 'I've seen the Alabama coaches at all of my games. Coach Joni (Crenshaw) and I got real close. She told my mom she'd make sure I was successful in the classroom and on the court. My mom feels comfortable about me going there, and I do, too.'Crenshaw, a former Alabama player, is an assistant on head coach Wendell Hudson's staff. Hudson, a former SEC Player of the Year at Alabama, replaced Stephany Smith, who coached the Crimson Tide for four seasons. Alabama went 8-22 overall, 1-14 in the SEC, in Smith's last season.'I wasn't doubting Alabama or anything like that, but they weren't playing the style of basketball I like to play,' Garrett said. 'I feel like once I get there I can make a difference. I want to help put Alabama back on the map. I want to start a dynasty.'Only three state players are listed on the Crimson Tide roster for 2008-2009. Ericka Russell is a freshman guard from Tuscaloosa's Northridge High School. Carmen McCoy is a freshman center from Leeds. Tamara Williams, a junior guard, is from Alabaster.'I heard a lot of good things about (Hudson),' Garrett said. 'I'll be very excited to get to Alabama and learn from him.'College coaches aren't allowed to comment on players until after they sign.Crenshaw returned to Alabama from Louisiana Tech, where she was the recruiting coordinator.'When she got to Alabama, she was the first person who called me when the coaches could make calls,' Garrett said. 'She made me feel like they wanted me at Alabama.'Garrett's junior season was limited by injury, but she averaged 11.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in 16 games, according to the MaxPreps.com Web site. Eufaula, the eventual champion, defeated Wenonah 54-48 in the AHSAA semifinals in Birmingham. Garrett had 12 points and nine rebounds.'I really don't have a set position on the court,' Garrett said. 'I can shoot outside or dribble the ball and go to the basket.'Gerard Johnson, head coach of the Alabama Twisters Elite, said Garrett is versatile.'She can pretty much play anywhere,' Johnson said. 'She can shoot, play inside, pass the ball and rebound. What I really like about her is she's coachable. Whatever I ask her to do, she'll do it. I've been at this for 13 years, and she's one of the better ones I've had. As far as I'm concerned, she's definitely the best post player in the state.'Garrett attended elementary school in the Hoover system but transferred to Wenonah High School because of what she said was a 'family situation.''I'm very good friends with everyone at Hoover,' she said. 'It's a personal move for me. I felt like I was not making good choices at Wenonah. I want to finish my senior year off strong and get ready go to college.'

Reach Andrew Carroll at andrew.carroll@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0223.

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